What happened
On 6 July 2023, a Piper PA-28, registration VH-SFA, was conducting a solo navigation training flight. After landing at Shellharbour Airport, the pilot prepared for departure on runway 34. Simultaneously, a Saab 340, registration VH-VED, was on approach to the same runway. Due to a weight restriction on the taxiway, the Saab crew was required to backtrack along the runway centerline after landing.
As the Piper PA-28 taxied toward the runway, the pilot used non-standard radio phraseology to announce entering the runway. The pilot of the Piper PA-28 observed the Saab 340 turning at the end of the runway and incorrectly assumed the larger aircraft would vacate via a taxiway. However, the Saab 340 was actually beginning its backtrack.
The pilot of the Piper PA-28 commenced the takeoff roll. As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot noticed the Saab 340 ahead. Although a rejected takeoff was possible, the pilot hesitated due to uncertainty regarding braking performance and chose to continue the roll. The Piper PA-28 eventually rotated and passed over the left wing of the Saab 340 at an altitude of approximately 150 ft.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot of the Piper PA-28 was unaware of the specific weight restrictions on the taxiways at Shellharbour, leading to the false assumption that the runway would be cleared by the inbound flight. Furthermore, the pilot did not hear the radio transmission from the Saab 340 crew announcing their intention to backtrack. The investigation also noted that the busy traffic environment at the airport contributed to communication difficulties, as other aircraft transmissions may have masked the Saab 340's warning.
Findings
- The pilot of the Piper PA-28 failed to hear the backtracking announcement from the Saab 340.
- The pilot of the Piper PA-28 incorrectly assessed that the Saab 340 had vacated the runway.
- The pilot of the Piper PA-28 continued the takeoff from an occupied runway.
- High traffic volume at the aerodrome increased workload and impacted the effectiveness of radio communications.